Tallmadge Hill

The Story of the 1935 All-American Soap Box Derby

In Tallmadge Hill Mr. Reed takes us through the history of the All-American Soap Box Derby. This look at founder Myron Scott's creation begins with an idea for a competition involving young boys during the depression. It begins in 1933 as a local race in Dayton Ohio with youngsters competing in racers made from scraps collected wherever possible.Gaining interest and momentum, the derby becomes a national event in 1934 with champions from 34 cities across the country competing. The story, which is illustrated with more than one hundred historical photographs, then covers the move to Akron in1935, where 50,000 spectators witness the race held on a hill in the Akron suburb of Tallmadge. The event is chronicled in a heat by heat description of the day's race, complete with interesting facts and bios about each of the 52 champs. Which champ became a famous architect, which one a war hero, which one lost his life in World War II and which one played football for North Carolina University. They are all covered. Also told is the accident involving a famous broadcaster which changed the course of derby history. The story which is related in a manner easily understood by children and adults alike, is fascinating reading even for those who are not derby fans. After reading it you may become one.